As one of the world’s premier travel destination, Bangkok continues to captivate hearts by masterfully blending its golden heritage with a pulse of modern innovation. To bring this vibrant soul closer to travelers worldwide, The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Tourism Division has officially launched "Visit Bangkok", the city’s premier tourism gateway, offering an authentic and local perspective on the Thai capital.
Moving beyond traditional travel guides, "Visit Bangkok" is designed to be a reliable digital companion for the modern explorer. By utilizing five distinct digital platforms, this initiative provides a curated look into the city’s lifestyle, ensuring that every visitor—whether a first-timer or a seasoned traveler—can find a story that resonates with their personal journey.
Experience Bangkok Through Four Unique Lenses:
The Global Culinary Capital: From the aromatic sizzle of legendary street food stalls to Michelin-starred dining experiences overlooking the skyline, discover why Bangkok remains the ultimate "Foodie Paradise."
The Harmony of Traditions: Experience the timeless elegance of shimmering temples standing in perfect contrast with futuristic shopping hubs and avant-garde creative spaces.
Asia’s Beating Heart for Events: Bangkok serves as a front-row seat to world-class entertainment, from the adrenaline of Muay Thai to global music festivals and the charm of national celebrations like Songkran and Loy Krathong.
An Ever-Evolving Discovery: This city never sleeps. Journey beyond the typical tourist spots to find hidden neighborhoods, secret cafes, and pop-up events that keep the city’s energy fresh and exciting every single day.
Whether planning a detailed itinerary or seeking spontaneous adventure, travelers can now stay connected with the pulse of the city through these five official creative channels:
Website: https://visit.bangkok.go.th
Facebook: VisitBangkok
TikTok: VisitBangkok
Instagram: visitbangkok_official
YouTube: visitbangkok_official
Bangkok is calling, and there is always a new story waiting to be found. Join the journey and discover why this metropolis remains the world’s favorite destination.
You’ve got your JR Pass, your hotel booked, and you’ve practiced “arigatou” in the mirror. But Japan is more than sushi and neon signs. It runs on unspoken cultural codes, and most travelers miss them completely. Breaking those cultural rules won’t have locals call you out, but you will feel the awkwardness.
Credit: iStockphoto
Want to blend in? Start here.
Trains Are Quiet for a Reason
Credit: Getty Images
No one’s chatting on the train or talking on speaker. Even couples speak in hushed tones. It’s not a rule posted on the wall, just something you feel. Public transport here doubles as rest time. If you’re loud, you’re the disturbance. Match the vibe by muting your phone and enjoying the calm.
Don’t Stroll With That Skewer
Credit: flickr
In Japan, people don’t snack while they walk; it’s seen as inconsiderate. Food is meant to be appreciated, not inhaled while dodging pedestrians. Find a bench, stand near the stall, or just pause and savor what you’re eating. You’ll enjoy it more.
Tipping Isn’t Kind—It’s Confusing
Tipping in Japan is like offering someone a prize for doing their job. They’ll likely refuse it, or worse, look uncomfortable. Service is already exceptional because it’s part of the culture. Say “thank you,” give a bow, and keep your coins.
Chopstick Etiquette Goes Deep
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Chopsticks carry cultural weight. Sticking them upright in rice is a funeral ritual. Passing food from one set to another is also the same thing. Small mistakes can send the wrong signal. Therefore, it’s best to learn the basics before dinner, and you’ll avoid unintentional disrespect at the table
The Shoe Ritual Is Real
Credit: flickr
You’ll spot it right away when you notice a raised step with a pile of shoes by the door. Shoes stay outside. Indoors, slippers take over. Bathrooms even get their own pair. It has to do with cleanliness and boundaries. Cross that line properly, and you’re golden.
Space Is Sacred—Don’t Crowd It
Credit: flickr
Japan values personal space. People keep a respectful distance even in crowds. If you lean in too close or touch someone casually, it’s considered intrusive instead of friendly. A nod or small bow says plenty without invading anyone’s bubble.
Lines Are a National Sport
Credit: Twitter
Order is practiced like religion in Japan. At a train station, people don’t rush. They line up in silence, with precision, without grumbling or skipping. Even during rush hour, there’s calm. The best way to blend in is to stand where the footprints on the platform tell you to.
Credit: Aflo Images
That Little Money Tray Is a Big Deal
You’ll see those little money trays everywhere next to cash registers. Don’t hand your money to the cashier. Place it in the tray as a part of the formality. This small gesture says you understand how things are done here, and that matters.
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Onsens Have Rules—and They’re Serious
Hot springs sound relaxing, but don’t treat them like a spa back home. You have to wash thoroughly before you get in. And as weird as it may sound, they don’t bother with swimsuits either. You bathe nude, same as everyone else. And if you have tattoos, some onsens may ban them entirely. Always check ahead or bring a cover-up just in case.
Shrines Aren’t Just Scenic Stops
Credit: flickr
Before you snap a photo at a shrine, pause. These are sacred places, and cannot be treated as backdrops. Wash your hands at the basin, bow before entering, and observe the rituals—clap, bow again. Keep your voice low. Being present and respectful here matters more than any selfie.
Where Are the Trash Cans? Trick Question
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
You’d rarely spot a trash can, and yet the streets are spotless. It’s the discipline of the locals. People hold onto their trash, sometimes for hours, until they can sort and dispose of it properly. Learn the system: burnable, non-burnable, plastic. It’s a group effort, and tourists are expected to play along.
For travelers, Japan is a country on a whole other level. With its attention to detail, deep culture, impressive innovations, and delicious cuisine, it is a country that inspires deep admiration. Getting around Japan can be a joy, and there is no better way to do so than by picking up a Japan Rail Pass and jumping on the country's wide-reaching railway network. The train system in Japan is epic. Known for its speed, efficiency, and convenience, with many lines connecting cities, it makes traveling within Japan a breeze. The network features a variety of options, from Shinkansen bullet trains to local lines that offer transportation with incredible views of the countryside.
As with visiting any new country, understanding Japan's systems, rules, and regulations can be challenging, not to mention the all-important task of avoiding making unspoken etiquette mistakes. In Japan, navigating the transportation system involves more than just buying a ticket, figuring out which line to take, or when the train departs. One important rule that first-time visitors to Japan should be aware of is that trains come with a strict luggage rule regarding oversized luggage. Excess luggage can restrict mobility on over-crowded or popular routes, and traveling with oversized luggage requires reservations to be made in advance on certain trains.
Understanding luggage in Japan's transportation system
Not all trains in Japan are equipped for oversized luggage. While there are overhead shelves for luggage, these are often quite small and cannot fit larger suitcases. Seats usually have some leg room that could fit medium-sized luggage, but larger suitcases will not fit and would not be allowed in this area. In fact, there is often a specific compartment for such luggage, and spots need to be reserved in advance.
This doesn't apply to all trains in Japan. For example, trains going to and from the country's airports will accommodate any large luggage. However, on other trains, a penalty of 1,000 yen will be levied if the large compartments are not pre-reserved. What classifies as oversized luggage in Japan? That's a very good question, with the answer being any suitcase over 160 cm in total dimension weighing a maximum of 65 pounds (30kg).
Tips for traveling with luggage in Japan
Planning ahead is key to meeting your luggage requirements and avoiding any penalties that may occur. One great move is to reserve seats close to the luggage compartments needed for extra space, allowing you to keep an eye on your belongings. However, there are alternatives that could make traveling a lot easier in Japan. For starters, there are delivery services known as takuhaibin (takkyubin), a luggage forwarding service that handles the task of delivering luggage to the final destination without travelers having to carry it on trains.
Other alternatives include lockers and storage options found in central stations or other tourist facilities where luggage can be left for a fee per day. This allows travelers returning to the same destination or enjoying a day trip to travel luggage-free for a period. However, this option isn't entirely reliable, as it does come with a fee, and the lockers aren't always free for your bag. The best option to prevent the hassle of worrying about luggage is to travel light whenever possible and to make the necessary reservations when you can't avoid carrying larger luggage. It is also a good idea to read up on the color-coded seating system found on trains in Japan.
Free layover tours at popular Asian and Middle Eastern hubs now allow connecting passengers to explore the city beyond the airport in between flights.
The futuristic Supertrees at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are one of the stops you can visit on a free city tour during a layover at Changi Airport.Photo by beersonic/Shutterstock
When weighing the merits of a long layover at a seemingly out-of-the-way airport (say, 18 hours at Istanbul’s Atatürk when you’re flying from Washington, D.C. to Bordeaux), consider whether it offers a free layover tour for in-transit passengers. Major hubs in Asia and the Middle East now provide connecting travelers with a glimpse of the city beyond the airport, on free tours that are easily booked on arrival or reserved in advance. The well-run programs are so robust, it’s like getting a mini-vacation tacked onto your real vacation.
Changi Airport (SIN): Singapore
Singapore’s Changi Airport is often ranked the best in the world. While there’s plenty to see right within its walls, it’s also conveniently located for exploration. If you have a 5.5-hour layover (or longer) at Changi, you have a choice of three city bus tours, each of them lasting 2.5 hours. The Heritage Tour runs twice a day (1 p.m. and 6 p.m.) and includes ultra-modern Marina Bay, the Central Business District, and the Singapore River, with 30-minute stopovers in Chinatown and the Malay Arab–influenced Kampong Gelam district, dense with fabric shops, old-world perfumeries, and restaurants specializing in murtabak (a folded, stuffed flatbread). The City Sights Tour, meanwhile, is offered three times a day (12 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.) and includes 30-minute stopovers at Merlion Park (home of the Lion City’s famed fish-lion fountain) and Gardens by the Bay, with its Avatar-esque Supertrees. And, finally, the once-daily Changi Precinct Tour (10 a.m.) focuses on the hidden gems of the residential town just outside the airport, with 30-minute stopovers in Tampines Central Park and Changi Beach Park, a sandy spot for picnics and plane-spotting. To participate, visitors must drop their bulky bags at a storage location and be prepared to show their passport, boarding passes, entry visa (if required), and booking confirmation.
How to sign up
You can book a tour up to 50 days in advance on the Changi Airport website. But if you’re more of a last-minute planner, you can still make a tour happen. Upon arrival, stay in the transit area, don’t go through Arrival immigration, and stop by one of the Free Singapore Tour booths in Terminal 2, Level 2 (near Gate F50) or Terminal 3, Level 2 (near Gates A1-A8).
Among the free itineraries offered by Touristanbul is a seasonal Bosphorus cruise. Photo by Kateryna Kovtun/Unsplash
Istanbul Airport (IST): Istanbul, Türkiye
Turkish Airlines passengers with international transfer flights and at least six hours to kill have access to a series of seven different complimentary Touristanbul tours. The shortest lasts for 3.5 hours and is densely packed with sights of historical and cultural significance, including Taksim Square and the Aqueduct of Valens, with a stop for photos on the Galata Bridge. The 9.5-hour full-day tour, on the other hand, includes breakfast and lunch and visits to the Ottoman-era Blue Mosque, the bustling Grand Bazaar, the Topkapı Palace (the former main residence of sultans), and more. Between May 1 and October 31, you can even opt for a seasonal Bosphorus cruise and dinner in the courtyard of the Baroque Revival Dolmabahçe Palace, which was built in the 1850s and served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. Each of the seven tours is offered once per day, with the earliest (Sightseeing Tour) setting off at 8 a.m. and the latest (Old City Tour) running from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.—check the website for the complete schedule.
How to sign up
Ticketed passengers can check their eligibility by entering their ticket number or reservation code on the Touristanbul website and then make advanced reservations. If you didn’t plan ahead of time, you can still check availability at the Touristanbul desk, after you pass through passport and customs controls.
During a layover at Incheon International Airport, you can plan a free visit to Hongdae Street to commune with Seoul’s cool kids. Photo by Patrick/Unsplash
Incheon International Airport (ICN): Seoul, South Korea
ICN offers 13 tours and in-airport experiences, eight of which are free. Among the complimentary options for exploring this part of South Korea: take a ferry ride from the nearby Gu-eup Ferry Terminal to Wolmi Park in the heart of Incheon’s old town, stop into the futuristic INSPIRE Entertainment Resort (which has a casino, mall, and immersive media art exhibition), dive into Korean youth culture on Hongdae Street, or sample street food at Sinpo International Market, which is especially known for its Sinpo Dakgangjeong (crispy fried chicken in spicy sauce). History buffs can instead opt to visit such sites as Cheong Wa Dae, which served as the presidential residence from 1948 to 2022, or the Jeondeungsa Temple, whose current incarnation celebrates its 600th anniversary in 2025.
How to sign up
You can reserve a spot for a tour online, but even if your selection is listed as sold out, more than half of the slots are reserved for walk-ups. Arriving passengers must take the shuttle train to Terminals 1 or 2, where registration desks can be found on the first floor.
Immerse yourself in Taiwanese history and architecture on a half-day Taipei tour during your layover. Photo by Markus Winkler/Unsplash
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE): Taipei, Taiwan
Transit passengers must have at least seven hours (and no more than 24) before their connecting flight to take advantage of one of Taipei’s three free half-day tours. The morning outing (which leaves Terminal 2 at 8:15 a.m. and Terminal 1 at 8:30 a.m.) covers the 286-year-old Bangka Lungshan Temple, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and hip Yongkang Street. Afternoon tours (which leave Terminal 2 at 1:45 p.m. and Terminal 1 at 2 p.m.) stop at Daxi Old Street, known for its Baroque architecture and historic shophouses; the 1902 Daxi Puji Temple; and the Musical Note Wall of Fong Fei-fei, dedicated to the late pop singer. Finally, evening tours depart between 5:50 p.m. and 6:10 p.m. and begin at the 33-story observation deck at the New Taipei City Hall, before continuing with stops at the Jieyun Temple and Nanya Night Market, which is known for such specialties as herbal catfish soup, oyster omelets, and the better-than-it-sounds stinky tofu.
How to sign up
There are only 18 spots per tour, so if you want to guarantee a spot, you can book online 5 to 90 days prior to arrival. If there are still slots available day of, travelers can register at the Tourist Service Centers in the arrival lobbies of Terminals 1 and 2.
An increase in the duty-free quota for Chinese tourists to Hong Kong may go some way to support the city's retailers, but visitors from the mainland say prices are still unattractive.
From expanding the solo travel scheme for Chinese visitors to Hong Kong in May to bumping up the duty-free shopping quota, the China and Hong Kong governments are striving to lure tourists from across the border.
This comes as Hong Kong residents increasingly flock to the mainland for shopping and entertainment, saying prices there are generally lower and the service is better, and the Asia financial hub struggles to recover after the pandemic.
Starting from July 1, the duty-free shopping quotas for Chinese tourists in Hong Kong were increased from 5,000 yuan ($688) per trip to 15,000 yuan for those visiting via six land border control points.
The new measure will be expanded to include Chinese visitors entering Hong Kong at all border control points from Aug. 1.
The government said it expects the measure to bring additional shopping spending of between HK$8.8 billion ($1.13 billion) and HK$17.6 billion to the city.
Annie Tse Yau On-yee, chairwoman of the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, said it would take time to see the benefits of the changes.
Hong Kong's May retail sales slumped 11.5% from a year earlier, government data showed on Tuesday, reflecting a surge in outbound trips, strength in the local currency and a high base of comparison for visitor spending last year.
"Considering the speedy business downturn, together with high rent and manpower costs, other economic factors, such as the strong Hong Kong dollar, also pose challenges to the retail industry," said Bond Law, an executive director of the association, adding the situation is expected to remain difficult for some time.
Harbour City, a shopping mall in the tourist area of Tsim Sha Tsui, said it believes "this policy change will have a positive impact, driving up retail sales and attracting more tourists to Hong Kong and to our mall".
Hong, 49, and his wife Chen 43, who were visiting Hong Kong from China's Guangxi province for the first time, said the cost of dining in the city was still a barrier.
"The food here is five times more expensive than the food back in the city where I currently live," Chen, who only wanted to be known by her surname, said as she held bags of clothes and cosmetics from various luxury brands.
The number of Chinese visitors has risen in recent months, according to data from the tourism board, but analysts say consumption trends have changed.
Cost-conscious Chinese tourists have replaced many of the cash-rich mainland travellers who once flocked to Hong Kong, with some only interested in free walking tours of the city and taking photographs.
Sienna Zheng, 29, a tourist from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen said she did not plan to purchase many luxury goods during her fourth visit to Hong Kong.
"I came to visit different places for photos and try out the foods," Zheng said, adding that even though the products in Hong Kong are tax-free the prices are similar to the mainland.
($1 = 7.2701 Chinese yuan)
($1 = 7.8093 Hong Kong dollars)
Reporting by Jessie Pang and Marcus Lum; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree and Jacqueline Wong, Reuters
The Huge LED at LOTTERIA building in Ho Chi Minh City saw the appearance of unique promotional images advertising Tainan City, Taiwan's old capital with close to 400 years of history. Ranking and overall evaluation based on search volume, SNS tags and actual visitor numbers to Tainan's tourist spots published in Tainan, and with a creativity to evoke long-awaited thoughts of traveling abroad: "Want to Travel to Truly Taiwan, Truly Tainan" as an international city promotion theme, using the high degree of attention on Taiwan and the global craze to make and share travel videos on SNS, 10 Tainan highlights with historical significance: Chikan Tower, Hsu Feng Hao, Chimei Museum, Madou Daitian Temple, Anping Tree House, Beimen Crystal Church, Sicao Green Tunnel, Dingtouer Sandbar, Jing Zhai Jiao Tile Paved Salt Fields, and Ten Drum Culture Village were selected by a professional photography team to be "Tainan's 10 Must-See Attractions" to feature lightbox and video ads; four consecutive weeks of exposure created enthusiasm and sharing in the community to become the most popular tourist city in Taiwan for sightseeing.
Tainan is known for its "Delicious delicacies that heal the soul."
The city has received recognition from the world-famous gourmet travel review magazine the Michelin Green Guide and features in this year's Bib Gourmand list of recommendations as a must-visit city for international visitors to Taiwan. CNN calls Tainan "Taiwan's capital of food." A columnist for the US Wall Street Journal recommended Tainan as a world-class food museum. Visit the city to find out why international foodies say "You haven't tried the authentic Taiwanese taste until you feast in Tainan."
Before you prepare to restart your overseas travel plans, please first visit the www.twtainan.net Travel Tainan website to plan out your itinerary. Along the way taste local snacks, Michelin-selected traditional flavors and state-banquet-level classic Taiwanese cuisine.
A tourist in Tokyo Q&A: Toilets, menus and naked bathing
TOKYO (AP) — Tourism to Japan is booming, with 1 million Americans among the country's more than 20 million annual visitors. But language barriers and cultural differences may seem intimidating to some travelers. Here are answers to questions you might have if you're contemplating a trip to the capital city, Tokyo.
Q. Is it true that addresses don't really exist? How will I find anything?
A. There are addresses, but the Japanese system is different. Most streets have no names and buildings are not numbered in order. Use a map or an app. That's what the natives do.
Bilingual neighborhood maps are usually posted outside train stations in tourist areas. Carry a bilingual map so you can point to where you're heading if you need to ask a local for directions. Two tricks will help you pronounce Japanese destination names: Put equal emphasis on every syllable, and always pronounce the E at the end of words as a separate syllable (so "Kobe" is "ko-bay").
Q. I can't read Japanese. How will I figure out the trains?
Trains and stations have signs in English. Most trains also have bilingual recordings and electronic signage announcing the stations. Stops are also numbered, which helps both with figuring out distance and with names that seem like a jumble of random syllables.
The bigger problem is that the system is so elaborate, a mere human can't always figure out the best route. No map can include all lines. Again, use an app. English options include the Tokyo Metro app and a version of the Japanese app Navitime.
Avoid trains at rush hour if possible.
Q. Bathrooms are really different, right? Spraying water, heated seats! What do I need to know?
A. Most high-tech Japanese toilets are easy to use. Flush is sometimes labeled in English. Just don't touch the other buttons. And don't be freaked out when a fancy one opens the lid automatically for you.
But be prepared for traditional squat toilets. Some public toilets have both squat and Western-style toilets, often with doors labeled for each type. If there's a line, it's fine to wait for the Western style to be available.
Another small wrinkle: Toilets nearly always give an option for a big or little flush. If you want to be environmentally correct, learn the characters for those terms because they're rarely labeled in English. Not a bad idea to learn the character for "flush" also, just in case.
Q. I'm scared of eating strange things. How will I order food?
Some restaurants have photo menus posted outside, and there may also be plastic food samples, so you can usually point to what you want. English menus are not unheard of, but don't expect them. And if a server doesn't come to take your order, you're not being ignored. It's typical to call one over (usually by saying "sumimasen" — basically "excuse me"). There's no tipping and usually you pay at the register on the way out.
Other options include convenience stores, where food is much better than in similar U.S. stores, from wrapped sandwiches and bento to snacks and dessert. Most Japanese department stores also have food on lower levels that you can point at and take away.
For unadventurous eaters, there's always tempura and ramen. But Tokyo is also a world-class food city. In some neighborhoods it's harder to find traditional Japanese food than Italian or French. There are exquisite Western baked goods in many neighborhoods along with a version of white bread that is like your childhood supermarket loaf died and went to heaven. You'll also find Western fast food chains, although don't be surprised to find local specialties on the menu.
Q. Do I have to drink tea? I really need my coffee.
The Japanese are serious about coffee. You will find Starbucks, local chains and many independent shops.
Q. What do I need to know about money?
Japan is still very much a cash society, partly because it's so safe that no one worries about carrying a lot of cash. Department stores, large chains like Uniqlo and hotels take credit cards, but you'll pay cash at most other places.
Q. I'm intrigued by onsens. But do I have to be naked with strangers?
Yes, in both onsen (natural hot-spring baths, usually at resort hotels) and sento (public baths in cities). But bathing is gender-segregated. When everyone else is doing it, it quickly seems natural. To avoid calling attention to yourself, follow the customs. Most critically, wash yourself thoroughly BEFORE getting into the bath, which is only for soaking. Also know that baths traditionally prohibit people with tattoos, which are associated with organized crime, though this is starting to change.
Q. Will I have to sleep on the floor? Or in a drawer?
Not unless you want to. There are innumerable Western-style hotels in Japan. But there's nothing quite like waking up on a futon to the smell of tatami mats, so why not try it? As for the famous beds in drawers, capsule hotels are mostly for short-term business travelers, not vacationers.
Q. Do I have to take my shoes off?
Historic houses, fancy traditional restaurants, temples and traditional inns may require visitors to remove shoes. If you're wearing sandals, bare feet may not be allowed, so pack socks.
One of the Asian destinations that a lot of my Philippine friends seemingly visit all too often would have to be Hong Kong, and I can’t blame them because other than its dynamic culture, the airfare can be really cheap and shopping is also relatively cheaper (especially for tech products). In fact, this is the first country that I have visited abroad, but what struck me most was the food for I can still fondly remember the amazing gastronomic trip that my friend and I did in the city!
Speaking of “country”, you will find that a lot of people are confused about Hong Kong:
“Is it a part of China…? Or is it separate country, because they do have a different currency, legal and passport system?“
There is no one simple answer to this since most data say it’s detached from China while others say it’s not. For a start though, it helps to note that it was only in 1997 that Hong Kong became free of the United Kingdom’s rule. Today, it is officially called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) which is a part of China. However, the Hong Kong Basic Law between China and Britain states that Hong Kong will retain its own systems (economic, governmental, political, etc.) — therefore with that in mind, Hong Kong is practically a separate country from China. They are absolutely autonomous.
Moreover, for reasons that are ideological and political, most Hong Kong citizens (Hongkongers / Hong Konger / Hong Kongese) even find it important to stress that they are Chinese BUT not Chinese at the same time. This mainly means that they don’t want to be called as ‘Geopolitical Chinese‘ (中國人) which refers to those who are under the rule of People’s Republic of China or Mainland China, because they prefer it instead to be regarded as ‘Ethnic Chinese’ (genetically Chinese) and/or Cultural Chinese (someone who follows the true-blue Chinese culture and lifestyle).
If you want to know more about the situation over China and Hong Kong, you can watch this video:
All in all: Hong Kong and China really are just two different worlds, so because of all these factors and more, I’ll also be considering Hong Kong as a stand alone country for this series.
“Wait… what series?” you might ask? Well, in case you missed my announcement, this post is a part of my newest monthly serial wherein locals from all over the world will be writing about 10 fun and interesting facts about their home country! (To keep an eye out for the succeeding countries that will be featured next, you can click and save the link from the banner below…)
So for today — as the title goes — we will be learning about Hong Kong from Yung Nam Cheah, a local who is my guest writer for this piece! .
BIO & INTRO
My name is Nam Cheah and I am a recent geologist graduate. As a millennial, I plan to make the most out of life and I document my passion to laugh, travel, and eat on my suitably named blog: Laugh, Travel, Eat.
I was born in Hong Kong and I spent half of my life there and the other half in UK. Currently however, I am back in Hong Kong — a place known as the pearl of Asia and an international city where east meets west. Most of all, it is known as a very densely populated city full of skyscrapers! But the impression that most people have of Hong Kong is actually only of the Hong Kong Island and a few other touristic places.
NOTE: Hong Kong is comprised of Hong Kong Island (the central urban area), the Kowloon Peninsula, and the New Territories (makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong’s territory), and over 200 offshore islands (largest of which is Lantau Island)
I often get a lot of questions such as “Is it true that Hong Kong has no green space?” or “How can such a small area fit 7 million people?”
Well, it’s all about what you grow up with and what you have. As a girl who was born and raised in the New Territories of Hong Kong, I bring to you ten things that you should know about Hong Kong: .
10 THINGS FOREIGNERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HONG KONG
#1: There are plenty of green in Hong Kong
As I’ve mentioned, most people think that there’s not much ‘green’ in Hong Kong but this is a very common misconception. While we might not have sprawling parks like Central Park and Hyde Park, we have plenty of nature! It’s true that most of our green spaces in the main city and towns are not for sunbathing or lying on, but we have plenty of country parks. Besides, you have to remember that 2/3 of the country is actually made up of the ‘countryside’ and as a matter of fact, hiking is fast becoming the average Hong Kong citizens’ favourite past time.
With countless small mountains scattered across the whole of Hong Kong as well as several beautiful islands, there are no shortage of natural wonders in the land. For instance, I have climbed up Sunset Peak and trekked to see basaltic columns at one of Hong Kong’s geological parks. So if you do visit Hong Kong, make sure you see the other side of her too.
#2: It’s only hilly on Hong Kong Island
I live in the New Territories region of Hong Kong and let me tell you – all the towns are flat over here. However, Hong Kong Island’s geology is different – it’s made up of volcanics that gives it its hilly topography. It surely makes for a dramatic cityscape, but then you would have to deal with all the stairs. Did I mention I hate stairs?
#3: You can use the Octopus Card for almost EVERYTHING
Photo by Canadian Pacific / CC Octopus cards started out as a way to pay for all the transport system (because they are under different companies), but it then went on to become a form of payment that you can use in convenience stores. And now you can use them to pay at shops, cinemas, supermarkets, fast food outlets, and even at hospitals!
It’s a top up card that’s not dissimilar to the Oyster Card of London, except it’s so much more. You can purchase one at any MTR station or convenience store for HK$50 ($6.40+) and you get discounts on travels.
TRIVIA: The Octopus Card is widely used in Hong Kong — at about 95% of the population! But you might wonder, why is it called as such though…?
Well, in Cantonese, they actually call it as Baat Daaht Tung which literally means “eight-arrived pass” (or also as “go everywhere pass”). The number 8 refers to all directions (think north, west, south, east, northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast), it’s also a lucky number in Chinese culture (which could mean “getting rich”) and it also happens to represent the 8 different public transportation systems in Hong Kong. Coincidentally, the English name ‘octopus’ goes along with the #8 in the Chinese name too — since an octopus does have 8 tentacles!
#4: Shops open late AND close late
It doesn’t apply to all shops, but most boutiques often don’t open until well after 11. You might get better luck in big shopping malls, but if you are going to privately owned shops like the ones I frequent in Mon Kok, then you better save your visit till lunch time.
On the bright side though, most shops don’t close until well after 8pm, so you will still have plenty of time to shop around.
#5: Museums are free on a Wednesday
I am not sure how this came about, but all the government museums are admission-free on a Wednesday. My school used to take us to all kind of museum visits exclusively on Wednesdays, but bear in mind that it also meant that the place would be more crowded.
But hey – a dime saved is a dime earned!
#6: We will stare, we will judge, but we do it to everyone
This will particularly apply if you are not of oriental appearance. Yet, even if you are of Asian descent, dressing differently to the locals will probably earn you some stares as well. But don’t worry – we just do it to everyone. It’s nothing personal; we are just a particularly judgy nation that enjoys gossiping about other people.
Aileen says: Speaking of behavior towards other people, I found that Hongkongers (especially the younger crowd) LOVE to take photos with foreigners. My white friends, for example, once visited Hong Kong Disneyland and they were ‘mobbed’ by school girls and boys who simply wanted to take photos with them — even if in fact, they were complete strangers! And nope, they weren’t celebrities either :P
#7: We are a fast paced nation with attitude
If you ever walk around the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) during rush hour, or try to walk through a market during a weekend in Hong Kong, you will know what I am talking about. Hong Kongers live a fast paced life and have zero tolerance for whoever is in their way.
We will shove; we will push and we will “tsk” – just know that it’s nothing personal either.
NOTE: Hong Kong is simply an ‘energetic city’ with a diverse mix of people!
#8: If it’s below 20 degrees, it’s cold for us
Hong Kong is a sub-tropical country and the temperature rarely goes below 6 degrees at most. With an average temperature of around 27 degree celcius, people tend to start bundling up if it falls below 20!
Anoraks, jackets, scarfs and fur boots – you name it, you see it. So don’t be alarmed if you take a photo with a chorus of people decked in their winter gear while you are standing in your t-shirt and shorts.
#9: We are a dine out nation
Most people live in high density apartments that are often built atop a shopping mall that’s often coupled with the most affordable restaurants — so, it’s no surprise that Hong Kongers love to dine out! Besides, given our long work hours, cramped living space and fast paced lifestyle, it seems only fitting that we eat out as well to avoid all the hassle of cooking and washing up.
#10: We put our surname first
In China and a lot of other oriental countries, we put our surname first in our names. This sparked a massive confusion for form-fillings and other things, so be sure to pay extra attention on this should you need to. This can get particularly awkward if you are introduced to someone who doesn’t have an English name.
By applying this rule, my name is therefore: Yung Nam Cheah. When I first went to UK, people constantly tried to call me Yung (and still do), thinking that Nam is my middle name when in fact it is Cheah that is my middle name. Talk about major confusion!
Beijing's contradictions create a rip-roaring adventure for first-time visitors. Neon lights flash alongside swaying lanterns. Enormous squares yawn next to labyrinthine hútòng (alleyways). Catcalling market sellers and car horns provide a constant soundtrack.
Pin this imageExploring a traditional hutong. Image by Matt Munro / Lonely Planet
In a city as deafening as it is beguiling, it's all too easy to get frazzled on your first visit. Avoiding these seven common pitfalls will enhance your first Beijing experience no end.
Fail #1: building a huge Beijing bucket list
We know, you want to see it all. But take it from a writer who nearly collapsed into her hotpot after trying to cram temples and palaces into a packed day of eating, drinking, shopping and hutong crawling. It sounds counterintuitive, but making the most of your time in China's capital means paring it down.
With security checks, maze-like subway transfers and huge distances, Beijing has a way of eroding the hours if you're unfamiliar with the city. You'll test the limits of your sanity if you set your heart on lunch spots miles from your morning sightseeing or leave your most-coveted museums until the last day.
Pin this imageSun setting over Tian'anmen Square. Image by Anita Isalska / Lonely Planet
Tackle Beijing by neighbourhood. The Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square are the classic pair; the Summer Palace needs a full day to do it justice; 798 Art District requires a hop by subway and then a bus, so allow a full afternoon. For day trips, set out early and come home early if you want to avoid the wrath of the real Chinese dragon: Beijing rush hour traffic.
Fail #2: ignoring the smog factor
In Beijing, you need to prepare for the air. The city's pollution levels are notorious, and its air quality will have a bigger impact on your trip than you expect. We learned this the hard way, with our eyes streaming as we explored the Summer Palace, sneezing our way past elaborate boats and gardens.
Pin this imageA smoggy day at the Summer Palace. Image by Anita Isalska / Lonely Planet
Air pollution affects your views (and your photos), not to mention your exhaustion levels. Planning your activities around the air quality will give you a much easier time; try Airpocalypse App (airpocalypseapp.com) for a humorous take on the day's conditions. Bad air quality means museums and galleries. Good air quality makes temple grounds and palaces ripe for wandering.
If you can't adapt your itinerary, build in some time to chill in a cafe when conditions are polluted; trust us, you'll need it.
Fail #3: being shy at queues and crossings
Once the third, then fourth, person slips in front of you in that bathroom queue, you'll realise it's time to sharpen your elbows. In a city bursting with more than 11m people, it makes sense that Beijingers move with purpose. This metropolis brims with urbanites making their way, so first-time visitors can be disorientated by queue-jumping and chaotic roads.
Pin this imageCrowded Beijing subway station. Image by Anita Isalska / Lonely Planet
Don't take it personally when cars honk at you at crossings or edge irritatingly close. Resist the urge to tut and glare when fellow queuers sidle up beside you at a ticket counter. Simply stand your ground and march on to your destination. You'll lose plenty of queue battles (hey, these Beijingers are practised). But above all, don't be fazed by the seeming randomness – keep your body language confident and move forward.
Fail #4: faltering at security checks
Security checks are a way of life in many Chinese cities, but nowhere more so than Beijing. Your rucksack will be examined in train stations, X-rayed each time you go into the subway, and you may be frisked before you enter certain public spaces, like Tian'anmen Square.
Pat-downs often seem cursory and sometimes security guards will insist on seeing your passport and then barely look at it. Rules can seem infuriating (like being cross-examined about whether you have a camera by the guards at Mao's Mausoleum). But embrace it all as part of your Beijing experience. Get ready to swing your bag through the X-ray in a subway station and nod compliantly; it'll make your transit times much swifter than raising an eyebrow or trying to avoid the scanners altogether (which is a guaranteed strategy to get an extremely thorough kneading from a sulky guard).
Fail #5: trying to walk everywhere
It's a travel writer's cliché to describe a city as 'compact, best explored on foot'. Well, Beijing is neither of those things so you need to hire wheels or school yourself on public transport to avoid wheezing your way between temples (they looked so close on the map...)
Exploring under your own steam is best done by bike. Hostels and bike hire shops around the city rent out bicycles. Bring your passport, prepare to pay a deposit, and be sure to examine the bike closely for damage before you take it for a spin.
Pin this imageCycling is a handy way to get around Beijing. Image by Anita Isalska / Lonely Planet
As for the subway, clear signposting in pinyin (Roman lettering) makes it a breeze for foreign visitors. There are even English-language announcements on board. Snap up a top-up metro card, known as an IC card (deposit ¥30), from a kiosk in the subway; they're easily rechargeable in machines and also usable on public buses (remember to scan as you board, and scan again as you disembark). English-language announcements and signs fade away on buses beyond the city limits but helpful guards in Beijing's bus stations will try to bundle you onto the right one.
Fail #6: assuming English will be spoken
A smattering of English-language signposting will ease your way around supermarkets and the subway, but English isn't as widely spoken as you might think. Arm yourself with a language app (Learn Chinese Pro (play.google.com) is free and packed with essential vocab) or a phrasebook. Even a simple nĭhăo (hello) and xièxie (thank you) will ease interactions.
In taxis, a guidebook or map with the Chinese characters will be indispensable to point at (and if you learn one phrase, make it dăo biăo - 'turn on the metre'). You can also collect business cards from your hotel or bars to show to drivers, or ask a hotel concierge or hostel staff to jot down your destination in Chinese characters.
Finally, don't underestimate the power of a humble notepad and pen to make yourself understood. To hire some gear from non-English speaking staff in Nanshan Ski Village, we sketched skis and boots, jotting our heights and shoe sizes next to them.
Fail #7: fearing the food etiquette
There's a terror among first-time travellers of causing offence at the table, but dining in Beijing is a casual affair. If you aren't used to chopsticks, it's worth practising before your trip (if only to avoid pitying stares). But barring one offensive gesture – planting your chopsticks upright in a bowl of food, which resembles an incense offering – slurp your noodles, openly pluck bones from your mouth, grab food with chopsticks or serving spoons, and enjoy.
It's worth heeding the cues of waiting staff, as they'll likely make your experience more delicious. We were encouraged to dip fried goat's cheese in sugar at Little Yunnan, and coaxed into seasoning our meat at Dadong Roast Duck.
But when it comes to Beijing dining, follow the rhythms of people around you. Dishes arrive at different times, diners may guzzle or dawdle, and regardless of the chaotic rhythms of a meal, you'll end up delightfully satisfied. Just as you will with Beijing itself.
Load&Go China is your essential prepaid travel card for China. Load&Go China with UnionPay is widely accepted across China and offers dual currency plus great exchange rates. Exclusively at Australia Post. Find out more.
